Ask anyone who’s been to Fort Benton about the Grand Union Hotel and you’re sure to see a smile. Not only is it the oldest operating hotel in the state, but it’s incredibly charming. While the structure has been fully renovated, it still maintains the historic vibe that you’ll find all over the city, which is nicknamed the Birthplace of Montana.
Oh, and it’s also rumored to be haunted, so you might get more than you bargain for when you stay.
The Grand Union is located at 1 Grand Union Square in Fort Benton.
Marcia W. / TripAdvisor The hotel’s history began in 1882, seven years before Montana even became a state. Although it went out of business a few years later, it was soon renovated and reopened by its new owners. In 1999, it was restored to its original splendor.
Stepping inside feels like going back in time.
Lamarvalley / TripAdvisor The hotel radiates a classic charm, and its current owners ensure that it stays clean and comfortable.
Rumor has it that the hotel is haunted by a number of spirits from the past, bur most of the ghost stories here are pretty tame.
j_marice / TripAdvisor Many people have claimed to have heard the stomping hooves of a phantom horse. This could be because long ago, a drunk cowboy tried to ride his horse up the main staircase before he was shot to death by the hotel manager.
If you’re lying in bed at night, you might hear the sounds of children running up and down the halls.
Jolene E / TripAdvisor But if you open the door, you’ll find that no one is there.
Here’s the strangest part: Mysterious blue lights are said to dance across Room 202, and no one knows why.
alfa4711 / TripAdvisor There have also been multiple sightings of a male spirit dressed in a long coat who appears in different areas of the hotel.
Of course, old buildings like this are bound to make some off noises, and people do have wild imaginations when they’re staying in historic structures. It’s possible that the Grand Union isn’t haunted at all.
Ritzmank / TripAdvisor Still, there have been so many spooky stories told here, it’s impossible to know for sure.
Have you ever had a paranormal experience in Montana? Here’s a list of the 10 best places to spot a ghost.
Marcia W. / TripAdvisor
The hotel’s history began in 1882, seven years before Montana even became a state. Although it went out of business a few years later, it was soon renovated and reopened by its new owners. In 1999, it was restored to its original splendor.
Lamarvalley / TripAdvisor
The hotel radiates a classic charm, and its current owners ensure that it stays clean and comfortable.
j_marice / TripAdvisor
Many people have claimed to have heard the stomping hooves of a phantom horse. This could be because long ago, a drunk cowboy tried to ride his horse up the main staircase before he was shot to death by the hotel manager.
Jolene E / TripAdvisor
But if you open the door, you’ll find that no one is there.
alfa4711 / TripAdvisor
There have also been multiple sightings of a male spirit dressed in a long coat who appears in different areas of the hotel.
Ritzmank / TripAdvisor
Still, there have been so many spooky stories told here, it’s impossible to know for sure.
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